Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Black History Month EventsList of events for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Black History Monthhttp://www.cabq.gov/office-of-equity-inclusion/news/dr-martin-luther-king-jr-day-and-black-history-month-eventshttp://www.cabq.gov/office-of-equity-inclusion/news/dr-martin-luther-king-jr-day-and-black-history-month-events/@@download/image/black-history-month.jpg

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Black History Month Events

List of events for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Black History Month

ALBUQUERQUE, NM – The City of Albuquerque has been observing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a legal holiday the since 1980s. City Council intended the holiday to encourage employees to volunteer in our community, in the spirit of Dr. King.

Many city employees will be participating in upcoming MLK events happening this weekend, starting with the MLK Jr. March, now in its 27th year year sponsored by the New Mexico MLK Commission, established in 1991.

The opportunity to honor the legacy of Dr. King and of the Civil Rights Movement continues through the month of February, Black History Month, during which time the City of Albuquerque will be hosting, sponsoring, and/or sharing a series of events for all Burqueños to learn about Black history and heritage.

Nationally, African American History Month in February celebrates the contributions that African Americans have made to American history in their struggles for freedom and equality and deepens our understanding of our Nation's history. National African American History Month had its origins in 1915 when historian and author Dr. Carter G. Woodson founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. This organization is now known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (“ASALH”). Through this organization Dr. Woodson initiated the first Negro History Week in February 1926.”

Albuquerque Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. March

Join us in celebrating the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday. March route begins at the NE corner of University Blvd. & Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. in Albuquerque. Ends across the bridge at 1 Civic Plaza. Mayor Keller will speak at the Commemoration Ceremony immediately following the march.

In recognition of our 50th/Golden Anniversary, the Africana Studies Program is pleased to announce its 35th annual Black History Month Kick-Off Brunch. This year's Brunch features Roland S. Martin, the Host/Managing Editor of News One Now.

Over the course of a journalistic career that has seen him interview newsmakers ranging from multiple U.S. presidents to the top athletes and entertainers in Hollywood, Roland Martin is a journalist who has always maintained a clear sense of his calling in this world.

Layla F. Saad: Book Signing: Me and White Supremacy

"Layla Saad moves her readers from their heads into their hearts, and ultimately, into their practice. We won't end white supremacy through an intellectual understanding alone; we must put that understanding into action." --Robin DiAngelo, author of New York Times bestseller White Fragility

Harriet’s Return Solo Performance

Harriet’s Return is a one woman show performed by Albuquerque artist and actress Karen Jones Meadows and directed by Jake Walker. Based upon the legendary life of Harriet Tubman. Meadows is an award-winning author, actress and producer.

When: Saturday, February 1, 2020 at 7 p.m.

Where: KIMO Theatre, 423 Central Ave NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102

Cost: $10-$15

For more information about this event and ticket purchase please visit www.kimotickets.com or call (505) 886-1251.

U.G.L.Y Child is a double entendre. One meaning refers to the ways in which children of color are perceived by the rest of society as a result of afro-phobia in the western world. The second meaning is an acronym created from the letters U.G.L.Y which stands for Uniquely Gifted and Lonely Youth.

Albuquerque Vegan Jazz Brunch

Enjoy a delicious and unique vegan brunch buffet with live jazz, hosted by vegan chef and holistic nutritionist, Dr. Ruby Lathon, and prepared by top-notch chefs. Be entertained with cool jazz by the John Rangel Trio with Special Guest Vocalists!

Rosa Parks Birthday & Transit Equity Day

Join the City of Albuquerque in honoring Rosa Parks’ birthday and her courage to stand against racial inequities in 1955 as the First Lady of Civil Rights for her role in the Montgomery bus boycott. The City of Albuquerque will be providing free rides for the second year on this day.

When: Tuesday, February 4, 2020

Cost: Free Bus Rides in ABQ

For more information about this event, please contact Rick DeReyes at (505) 724-3149.

Candacy Taylor, Overground Railroad: The Green Book and the Roots of Black Travel in America

The first book to explore the historical role and residual impact of the Green Book, a travel guide for black motorists.

ONE New Mexico Gospel Concert

Join the CityWide Interfaith Choir and Help Make A Joyful Noise! This event is free and open to the public.

When: Sunday, February 16, 2020 at 3:30 p.m.

Where: Highland Theater, 4800 Central Ave SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108

Cost: Free

For more information about this event, please contact New Mexico Black History Month Organizing Committee at (505) 407-6784.

The Langston Hughes Project

A joyous multimedia concert performance is created around Hughes’ kaleidoscopic jazz poem suite titled Ask Your Mama: Twelve Moods for Jazz. Set during the period of the Harlem Renaissance, the poem deals with the struggle for freedom and dignity for African American people at home and abroad. The show connects the historical dots between the Civil Rights Movement, the colonization of African countries and today’s landscape.

Kumbuka Celebration and Asante Awards Albuquerque

Remembering one’s ancestors is one of the main reasons that Carter G. Woodson started what we now call Black History Month. The Kumbuka Celebration is all about remembering our ancestors, from famous celebrities to family members whom we have loved and lost. This multimedia program will include song, spoken word, and dance tributes and will culminate with an interactive libation ceremony. Please bring a photo of your loved one to participate in the ceremony.

When: Wednesday, February 26, 2020 from 6-10 p.m.

Where: KIMO Theater, 419 Central Avenue NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102

Cost: Free

For more information about this event, please contact New Mexico Black History Month Organizing Committee at (505) 407-6784.

The mission of the Office of Equity and Inclusion is to inspire and equip city government to make Albuquerque a national role model for racial equity and social justice. The office was created as part of Mayor Tim Keller’s vision to build a more inclusive Albuquerque. The Office of Equity and Inclusion is a recipient of a W.K. Kellogg Foundation Grant, furthering our efforts to increase equity across all indicators and diversity in the City’s workforce.